Most of our aging parents prefer to be self-reliant and contribute actively to their families, communities, and workplaces. However, as they reach their 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond, many of our aging parents eventually require some form of assistance. In such cases, it’s usually us, the adult children, who step in to provide the necessary care and support.
Assisting an aging parent can range from simple tasks like transportation and household chores to more complex responsibilities due to health-related issues. These challenges often arise from conditions such as dementia, chronic illnesses, falls, difficulty recovering from hospitalization, and the effects of just plain getting older.
I’ve seen many families struggle with these issues over the years, and in the beginning of taking care of my mom – I struggled with myself – which inspired me to create the “Caregiver Support and Resource Connection” online program. As part of this program, I’ve compiled a list of six key areas that family caregivers typically need to address when taking care of an aging parent.
Here are the six areas to be aware of when taking care of aging parents:
- Your Self care
- Medical
- Living arrangement
- Care
- Financial
- Legal
These areas often intersect and influence each other, making caring for an aging parent a complex endeavor. If you’re currently taking care of an aging parent, I hope this list proves helpful to you. It may seem overwhelming at first, but with persistence, you’ll navigate your way through it. Just remember to prioritize your self-care along the way. Which is why I’ve put that at #1 on the list.
If you’re facing challenges getting your aging parent to accept help, be sure to check out my free online training for effective methods to reduce conflicts and provide better care.
🩷Coach Wendy